This fable gives us to understand, that there is no person in the world
so little, but even the greatest may, at some time or other, stand in
need of his assistance; and consequently that it is good to use
clemency, where there is any room for it, towards those who fall within
our power. A generosity of this kind is a handsome virtue, and looks
very graceful whenever it is exerted, if there were nothing else in it:
but as the lowest people in life may, upon occasion, have it in their
power either to serve or hurt us, that makes it our duty, in point of
common interest, to behave ourselves with good nature and lenity towards
all with whom we have to do. Then the gratitude of the Mouse, and his
readiness not only to repay, but even to exceed, the obligation due to
his benefactor, notwithstanding his little body, gives us the specimen
of a great soul, which is never so much delighted as with an opportunity
of showing how sensible it is of favours received.